WOODBURY — As spring approaches, that can only mean one thing: Eric Birkenberger’s floriculture classes are working hard to make sure that any type of plant sales or projects are ready on time. This gives students real-word opportunities, such as the skill of working under pressure, opportunities to get creative, and understand that anything short of perfection is below standard. 

“People get to order flowers and flowers make people happy,” Birkenberger said. “In the industry, this is a common practice, so the kids are getting a real-life industry career [experience].”

Besides the plant sales that Birkenberger’s junior and senior classes operate, they also do a tradition called Vase of the Month, which has been happening for six years. This niche tradition is when students get to make a vase, then once complete, they give it to a teacher of their choice. 

“This is actually my first vase of the month,” says junior Samantha Kostka. “So far it’s going pretty good. It’s crafty.” 

By enrolling in Birkenberger’s class, students can get creative with projects. There is no limit to what students can and can not do when putting a project together.

“I get to be creative in this class and really express my creative ability,” says junior Grace Schmidheini. “I love the ability for me to learn the different colors and patterns and I get to use these skills in real life when I go into maybe a profession where I need to use design aspects. It’s a really great class to take. “